JONATHAN MERCER'S EXPENDITURE INTO THE UNKNOWN

tep a challenge. The indigenous guides moved with a fluid grace, their eyes ever-watchful for the dangers that lurked in the shadow

on grim. "The guides say we must be careful

nse foliage around them. "We'll be vigila

air seemed to buzz with an unseen energy, and the shadows moved in ways that defied logic.

on the surroundings. "We're being watched," he mut

fever was relentless, and he slipped in and out of consciousness, his skin pallid and clammy. S

sibility pressing down on him. "We

onstant fear and stress took its toll, and tempers flared. Emily Carter, usually calm and col

tion. "This jungle is a maze. The spirits are

Thomas is getting worse by the minute. We

e're all on edge, but fighting among ourselves won't help

palpable, and the sounds of the night creatures seemed amplified in the still air. They

scious. Sarah did her best to keep him hydrated and cool, but her efforts were clearly not enough. She

ear in his stomach. "We'l

Carlos, who turned to the group with a look of concern. "They say ther

esitate. "Then we

ng them through the dense jungle with an urgency born of necessity. The pat

st beyond their vision, and strange, disembodied voices whispered from the trees. The sen

small village, its huts illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. The air was fill

nod. She spoke with the guides, who explained their situation. The woman, the village he

slation. "The spirits have taken hold of him. I

be heard

deftly as she prepared a mixture of herbs and roots. She spoke s

ear mingling with a fragile hope. The village seemed a haven, a brief r

s awn and weary. "We've come this far," he sai

ession resolute. "We'

healer's work and the soft murmur of the village. As dawn broke

"But he needs rest and care. The j

f relief. "Thank you. W

with a wisdom born of years. "Be

survived another night, and Thomas was stable. But the journey ahead was still

f once more into the heart of the jungle. The path was uncertain, th